Amid growing concern over welfare spending reductions, the UK government has confirmed that 2 Groups Will not Face Universal Credit and PIP Cuts in the UK. Here are all the details explained and presented in a clear manner.
2 Groups Will Not Face Universal Credit and PIP Cuts in UK: Here Are the Details
With benefit reforms expected to tighten eligibility and reduce support in late 2025, millions of claimants are anxious about how these changes will affect them.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially stated that two key groups will remain fully protected from any reductions to Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These exemptions are designed to shield the most vulnerable from the impacts of upcoming policy adjustments.
Who Are the Two Exempt Groups?
The first group includes severely disabled individuals, particularly those on higher-rate PIP components. The second includes pensioners receiving mixed-age benefits, such as Pension Credit along with Universal Credit for younger partners.
Group 1: Severely Disabled PIP Claimants
This group includes individuals who:
- Receive the enhanced daily living or mobility components of PIP
- Have severe long-term health conditions requiring full-time care
- Have been assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) under Universal Credit
These claimants are already deemed to require high levels of support, and government sources say their current benefit levels will be fully maintained.
Group 2: Pensioners on Mixed-Age Claims
These are households where:
- One partner is above State Pension age and the other is under it
- They currently receive Pension Credit and Universal Credit jointly
- The pensioner’s income forms the main support
Since these households are often on fixed incomes, the DWP has decided not to reduce their entitlements in the upcoming reforms.
Why These Groups Are Being Protected
The DWP has acknowledged that both categories face higher living costs and limited flexibility to increase income. Severely disabled individuals often require specialist care and equipment, while pensioners face growing healthcare and energy expenses without the ability to return to work.
By protecting these groups, the government aims to:
- Avoid increased demand on NHS and care services
- Prevent homelessness or health deterioration among vulnerable groups
- Preserve basic dignity and independence for those with the fewest resources
Upcoming Changes to Universal Credit and PIP
Although these groups will be spared, others may face the following cuts and reforms:
- Stricter reassessment cycles for PIP claimants without visible conditions
- Lower Work Allowance thresholds for working UC claimants
- Housing element adjustments, particularly in high-rent areas
- Possible merging of legacy support systems
The changes are set to be rolled out starting October 2025, with formal announcements expected in the Autumn Budget.
What You Should Do If You’re in a Protected Group
If you believe you fall into one of the protected categories:
- Check your latest award letters for confirmation of your PIP component level
- Ensure that your Universal Credit online journal is updated with your LCWRA status
- Contact DWP if your benefit classification is unclear or you were recently reassessed
For mixed-age couples, please ensure that your pensioner partner’s age and income are accurately recorded in your claim to prevent any misclassification.
Final Message to Claimants
Reforms will reshape parts of the welfare system, but they won’t affect everyone equally. The UK government’s move to shield the most vulnerable underlines its intent to apply reforms carefully and selectively.
If you are in one of these two groups, rest assured—your benefits are secure despite the coming cuts.